Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?

So, recently I’ve started to hang out with a few girls at work quite often. Liz, Katie, Stephanie and I have a bang up time whenever we are together. (In case you are trying to glean life knowledge from my blog, this is the hallmark and foundation of a good friendship.) So far we’ve shared meals, book recommendations, and many an hour watching Veronica Mars. I’d say we’ve pretty much bonded. 🙂

 So, the other day, I got an email from Stephanie asking if any of us liked rodeos. I responded pretty much immediately (after all, I am responsible email returner) and with something to the effect of “No, in fact I hate rodeos and all that they stand for.” Let’s just clarify for a second that I’m not talking about the treatment and exhibition of the animals. I’m talking about the cowboys…

 I grew up in Wyoming. I’d say we had our fair share of cowboy types per capita. I remember working in K-mart stocking shelves and seeing a teenage walk in with plaid shorts, boots, aaaannnd (you guessed it) a belt buckle the size of my head.  Who came up with this? Is it REALLY necessary to make a belt buckle so big that it blinds you when the suns rays hit it? I think not. I know not.

Quite a few years running, my school HCS ran a concession stand at our annual rodeo. Aside from learning a few tricks on how to make the soda fizz die down faster as you fill the cups, I came away with a startling moment of clarity. I am a city girl.

Now, this is not to say that I am a high maintainance girl. Well, I suppose you could say that if you wanted, but I would probably punch your lights out. That’s what I like to call being scrappy.

 In any case, I relayed this story to my shocked and dismayed friends (who incidently happen to like cowboys, rodeos and country music) and received incredulous comments.

I’m sorry. I’m just not into it.

I happened to mention to my friend Carly that I felt pretty much the same way about country music–many a roommate has tried to convert me to no avail–and she about swallowed her gum…metaphorically speaking. She said (and I quote), “I love country music! It’s so passionate and it tells a story…and sometimes it’s MY story.”

 So true, Carly. So true. And so, blogosphere, I leave you with that deep thought.